Germans celebrate the destruction of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago today

On November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall came crashing down, forever
changing the face of Germany and world politics as we know it. It was on that day
that millions of friends, family, and countrymen were reunited and the
idea of a West and East Germany crumbled like the giant obstruction
that once stood firmly in the center of Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz.

The days following the momentous occasion included such activities as
hundreds of thousands people pulling apart the 100 mile long wall,
once divided family members embracing, and bars staying open extra late to
accommodate locals and visitors alike who were in the mood to celebrate.

The events of twenty years ago weakened communism and led to the
eventual implosion of the Soviet empire. The Berlin Wall is long gone and just a few pieces of it remain in an outdoor art gallery and as
part of an open-air museum nearby. The rest of the concrete fragments have been scattered
throughout the world and placed in various memorials, while others remain in the possesion of the many that assisted in toppling over the Cold War built barricade.

Today’s Berlin is a bustling capital city, full of hip cafes,
amazing restaurants, and a great nightlife. The wall has been replaced
with pricey apartments, a packed shopping center, and the European
headquarters of such technology heavyweights as Sony.

Some events planned for the 20th anniversary celebration include
concerts from the likes of Bon Jovi, a vigil for the 136 people killed
trying to cross over during the 28 years it stood, and 1,000 foam
dominoes will be tipped over along the wall‘s former pathway.

Berlin, Germany is now a popular tourist destination and without a doubt one of Europe’s great cities. It is truly amazing how much has changed in
just 20 years. The collapse of the Berlin Wall should give hope to many that change is truly possible.

Source: The Associated Press